The Bends - 30 Years Later

The other day, while studying for a couple of tests, I found myself putting on Radiohead’s 1995 release - The Bends. This album celebrated its 30th anniversary in March and marked the point at which Radiohead established themselves as much more than a one-hit wonder. In my opinion, the standout track is “My Iron Lung”, a metaphorical representation of the sense of confinement and constraint the band felt after the overnight success of “Creep”, which they felt tied them down to a certain insipid Britpop-esque style of music. Although this song contains some rather absurd lyrics, the more they’re analyzed, the clearer it becomes how clever, insightful, and ominous they are. Thom Yorke’s signature style of vague, hauntingly unnerving songwriting is on full display here, and the ideas present within most songs on the album are thoughtful and melancholy, as opposed to pure angst. Additionally, this song contains the best guitar riff on the entire album, if not one of the best riffs in Radiohead’s discography.

Now, most casual listeners know and love  “High and Dry” and “Fake Plastic Trees", but to call them the best parts of The Bends would be grossly ignorant and an oversimplification of the depth of this album. “High and Dry” is a good song, don’t get me wrong, but it’s simple in both its melody and themes of sadness and self-destruction, which have become standard fare for the band.  “Fake Plastics Trees” is a rather on-the-nose commentary about consumerism and climate change that doesn’t do anything special for me. Not bad as far as Radiohead’s lead singles go, but not top-tier either.

In terms of underrated songs on this album, I’d say “Black Star” and “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” take the cake. Both are genuinely beautiful but also extremely devastating. “Street Spirit” is probably one of Radiohead’s best closing tracks on any album. A quiet, stripped-down track that deals with emptiness and loneliness while also providing some hope at its conclusion. “Black Star” is, without a doubt, the most depressing song I’ve ever heard. First listen may not do it justice, but after fully comprehending the lyrics, this song may just bring you to tears. 

While Radiohead’s later albums are much more innovative and boundary-pushing, The Bends stands on its own as a solid sophomore effort. Although imperfect, this album is sure to give you a good cry.